It is quite frankly appalling for anyone to suggest that toxic work places are common or normal or should in anyway be dismissed or tolerated. The damage to people as a result of workplace bullying and victimisation is permanent and has a life-long effect. The Victims of CSIRO refute any suggestion that this is a recent or peripheral as previous Enterprise Bargaining Statements of Claim issued by by the CSIRO Staff Association to CSIRO Management have included statements on bullying in the workplace. The CSIRO Staff Association has also raised the matter with CSIRO Management at Consultative Committee meetings in relation to its impact on CSIRO and its reputation (what about members?)

If readers and members of the CSIRO Staff Association feel strongly enough about this issue, they should contact their local Staff Association Workplace Delegate expressing their desire that the CSIRO Staff Association collectively address the issue of bullying within CSIRO.

A word of advice to the CSIRO Staff Association. Perhaps you should canvas your own members to determine exactly how wide spread this culture is within the CSIRO. You might be unpleasantly surprised.

Whilst not detracting from the great work of the CSIRO Staff Association and in agreeing to agree that collective action is the most effective tool to combat workplace bullying we must strong disagree with the statements of Dr Borgas.

Oh, and by the way, we will continue to suggest to people contacting us that the CSIRO Staff Association may be able to provide assistance. We just hope we have not been wrong!